For those who prefer light-colored floors but do not wish for the consequent atmospheric coolness, Margot is the perfect solution: a light-colored floor that radiates an aura of warmth. In contrast to Sanzio and Burano, smooth and sophisticated Margot pursues a sense of unity, blurring the lines between floor planksboards. With its mellow texture and pleasantly bright ambience, Margot emanates an intoxicating impression of serene bliss.

A desire to have a large open kitchen looking out into their existing greatroom allowed us to pursue removing existing walls and relocating a few components of the existing Kitchen. The White Shaker style cabinets with gold hardware is a timeless look mixed with a subtle pop of color in the gray toned island and extended countertop backsplash behind the range. Removing the walls and opening up the spaced allowed us to achieve a grand and impressive space for everyday use and exciting gatherings.

This remodel began as a powder bathroom and hall bathroom project, giving the powder bath a beautiful shaker style wainscoting and completely remodeling the second-floor hall bath. The second-floor hall bathroom features a mosaic tile accent, subway tile used for the entire shower, brushed nickel finishes, and a beautiful dark grey stained vanity with a quartz countertop. Once the powder bath and hall bathroom was complete, the homeowner decided to immediately pursue the master bathroom, creating a stunning, relaxing space. The master bathroom received the same styled wainscotting as the powder bath, as well as a free-standing tub, oil-rubbed bronze finishes, and porcelain tile flooring.

INSPIRATION: local settlements in northern Iran formed by a simple adaptation of the nature, geography and climate of that region. The local architecture of this place is so intertwined with nature and in harmony with the climate that it can be called naturalistic architecture. We are looking to redefining the region's former architecture, which needs protection, into today's language. Unique properties: Extroverted architecture is a solution that is necessary to respond to the hot and humid climate of the location of this project. But in Iranian culture, introverted architecture is unavoidable therefore, in this residential apartment where several families live together and also have common spaces, providing a response to introversion and extroversion at the same time has been considered. Description: Extreme use of the porch refers to the deep structures of the Iranian Architecture The "primitive cottage", which is a favorite of the residents of this small town, when converted into a contemporary apartment, must include several basic spaces to implement the residential scenario. Private and semi-private balconies are the most important of those spaces. Extensive vista is the potential of this project. because in addition to the forest view from the south and the beach view on the north side, the other two sides of the project have a unique view due to their height from the city. Therefore, the location and type of openings affect the quality of the space. Each space has a pleasant view, light and proper air circulation. Roofed and non-roofed yards equally divided at different levels. These independent courtyards in the vertical surfaces seen as a vertical and integrated garden in the urban context. CHALENGE: The value that the project pursues is to answer: How contemporary architecture can be faithful to culture, nature and context? How architecture can affect the audience without showing off? this challenge arose for us when we noticed that the surrounding new buildings had nothing to do with local architecture except for adhering to a form such as a sloping roof. Audience tastes have also gone in a direction that is not compatible with contextual factors. So having a few touches of culture and context can be a turning point in the contemporary architecture of this Small scale area.

After their Niwot, Colorado, home was inundated with floodwater and mud in the historic 2013 flood, the owners brought their “glass is half full” zest for life to the process of restarting their lives in a modest budget-conscious home. It wouldn’t have been possible without the goodwill of neighbors, friends, strangers, donated services, and their own grit and full engagement in the building process. Water-shed Revival is a 2000 square foot home designed for social engagement, inside-outside living, the joy of cooking, and soaking in the sun and mountain views. The lofty space under the shed roof speaks of farm structures, but with a twist of the modern vis-à-vis clerestory windows and glass walls. Concrete floors act as a passive solar heat sink for a constant sense of thermal comfort, not to mention a relief for muddy pet paw cleanups. Cost-effective structure and material choices, such as corrugated metal and HardiePanel siding, point this home and this couple toward a renewed future.

When an expanding family outgrew its beloved A frame vacation home, chaos followed. Outdoor gear multiplied exponentially, while any organized spot to stow it did not. Expected amenities were non-existent for needs of the crowd of outdoor enthusiasts. SV Design addressed the lacking elements and added practicality, with style: the multigenerational family members and friends can now appreciate space for the variety of hobbies and interests they pursue. Having worked with Siemasko + Verbridge in the past, the family turned to SV once again knowing we would design solution to address the growing list of concerns. SV’s design of a three-story addition with a relatively small footprint was just what the home needed. A covered entry now provides the option of entering the main house or stopping off in the mud room to remove boots, drop off skis, and hang up wet clothes. Regardless of the way you enter the main house you will be greeted with a naturally lit, welcoming staircase of reclaimed white oak timber treads and steel stringers and rails. Each newel post is capped off with a polished granite sphere to pay homage to the Granite State in which the house resides. The open stair invites you up to a spacious family space for playing board games, listening to music, gazing at the stars, or just lounging about in the warm comfort of the home. Traveling downstairs from the main level is a new, kid friendly media room for popcorn and movies, or a little video game sibling competition. Perhaps the most striking new feature of the home is the custom designed Adirondack style bar built of varying tones of willow branches and bank. Topped off with a contrasting aged zinc counter, backsplash and shelf the bar is the perfect spot for the resident bar tender to mix up a tasty concoction for sitting by the crackling fire just steps away. This home will provide comfort and ease for the family to relax and enjoy their getaway for years to come.

This private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow. The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere. The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment. Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.

Our clients were debating between remodeling an existing structure and a new build. We showed them the value in a new structure and they ultimately decided to to pursue this route. The main goal was to create a structure that integrated with the rest of the property. To keep with the theme of the campus, we incorporated timber frame detailing and a traditional track & trolley on the sliding doors. We also used a metal roof since it was a better product that also fit with the theme. To finish the project, we used a copper style cupola.

Pops of color and punchy patterns make this designated kids' study an inspiring space for homework, crafting, and play! Education is a very important aspect for this family so we created a unique space for their children to pursue their interests. Photographer: Pär Bengtsson Partners: Cusimano Architecture, AP Builders

Kristina Arnold is a relatively new addition to the Roundtree Landscaping team. Kristina has a passion for landscaping and the outdoors, with a keen focus on native plants and learning about landscape design. Kristina is the only woman on an all man landscape maintenance crew and keeps up with everyone when it comes to all types of work, from mowing to loading! Kristina focuses on the detailed aspects of horticultural plant maintenance to keep our clients properties looking their absolute best. You may not always be aware of all the fine-tuning Kristina provides when it comes to plant care, but if you would certainly notice if her handy work was missing. Before Kristina joined Roundtree, she worked in several different fields, including the restaurant industry and retail. With a desire to educate herself about landscape design and to work in the landscaping industry, Kristina decided to take the opportunity to meet with Roundtree owner, Johnette Taylor, at a local meet-and-greet at North Haven Gardens. After a great first meeting, Kristina was later hired on as a part of horticultural services to learn the ropes of landscape maintenance and plant care. As a part of the Roundtree team, Kristina continues to educate herself with the goal of pursuing a degree in landscape design or landscape architecture. Kristina feels it is important to always keep learning and loves taking classes that help her advance her knowledge and skills. She is currently studying to become a certified landscape association with TNLA (Texas Nursery and Landscape Association). What’s Kristina’s favorite part of her job? Detailed plant pruning. She loves working with overgrown plants to transition them from ragged or untamed into beautiful landscape specimens. Her favorite plant (at the moment) is pink magenta Cosmos. She loves the graceful stems and orderly – yet flamboyant – flower petals. Fun fact about Kristina: She is a big fan and follower of all the National Food Days. In fact, if you ask her, she will tell you there are only three days out of the year that are not assigned to a specific food! The day of this interview was National Gingerbread Day, and Kristina was excited about the upcoming applesauce cake and chocolate ice cream days!

A lounge off of the kitchen provides a space for the family to congregate or catch up on Netflix while dinner is being prepared. The space allows for each family member to pursue their own interests while still being together. Photo by Barry Calhoun

Nestled on the shore of New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee, is a family’s winter ski retreat. Contrary to the norm, this vacation home sees more use in the winter months than in the summer season. Breathtaking views of Mount Washington against a backdrop of shoreline dominate the scene; this vista was a driving force in the decision-making process. Doors and windows on the lakeside of the house were enlarged and expanded on to enhance the owners’ appreciation of their vantage point. The homeowners embraced, with a bit of convincing, a dark blue trim color for the exterior rather than the ubiquitous forest green common in the White Mountains. What began as a small renovation project morphed into a full renovation; the location warranted the upgrade. The client’s trust in the design team resulted in a home that is unique: contemporary while still offering the warmth and coziness of a winter retreat. The introduction of soft wood tones, a custom copper kitchen hood, and a warm muted color palate for interior trim and doors brings a coziness to the space without evoking a mountain ski lodge. The materials chosen further enhanced the natural elements of the site location: organic features include an antler chandelier, salvaged wood throughout for the mantel, ceilings, stair newels, and interior barn doors, and a live edge built-in bench in the mudroom. Spaces were designed to encourage family interaction and togetherness. The importance of solitude was thoughtfully crafted into the architecture and interiors of the family’s vacation home. SV Design made sure there were spaces where individual family members can pursue their own interests: a dedicated craft space, a family office, and a kids’ loft area. The redesign was forward thinking, to take the family into future phases in life, from the current teenage years through college years, and into the beyond of expanded family possibilities.

When an expanding family outgrew its beloved A frame vacation home, chaos followed. Outdoor gear multiplied exponentially, while any organized spot to stow it did not. Expected amenities were non-existent for needs of the crowd of outdoor enthusiasts. SV Design addressed the lacking elements and added practicality, with style: the multigenerational family members and friends can now appreciate space for the variety of hobbies and interests they pursue. Having worked with Siemasko + Verbridge in the past, the family turned to SV once again knowing we would design solution to address the growing list of concerns. SV’s design of a three-story addition with a relatively small footprint was just what the home needed. A covered entry now provides the option of entering the main house or stopping off in the mud room to remove boots, drop off skis, and hang up wet clothes. Regardless of the way you enter the main house you will be greeted with a naturally lit, welcoming staircase of reclaimed white oak timber treads and steel stringers and rails. Each newel post is capped off with a polished granite sphere to pay homage to the Granite State in which the house resides. The open stair invites you up to a spacious family space for playing board games, listening to music, gazing at the stars, or just lounging about in the warm comfort of the home. Traveling downstairs from the main level is a new, kid friendly media room for popcorn and movies, or a little video game sibling competition. Perhaps the most striking new feature of the home is the custom designed Adirondack style bar built of varying tones of willow branches and bank. Topped off with a contrasting aged zinc counter, backsplash and shelf the bar is the perfect spot for the resident bar tender to mix up a tasty concoction for sitting by the crackling fire just steps away. This home will provide comfort and ease for the family to relax and enjoy their getaway for years to come.

Our clients were debating between remodeling an existing structure and a new build. We showed them the value in a new structure and they ultimately decided to to pursue this route. The main goal was to create a structure that integrated with the rest of the property. To keep with the theme of the campus, we incorporated timber frame detailing and a traditional track & trolley on the sliding doors. We also used a metal roof since it was a better product that also fit with the theme. To finish the project, we used a copper style cupola.

One feature our company pursues is flush floors. This keeps people from tripping but looks beautiful when finished. This was more difficult as there were two flooring materials. Photography by Paper Bird Studio, Cindy Tueller

This remodel began as a powder bathroom and hall bathroom project, giving the powder bath a beautiful shaker style wainscoting and completely remodeling the second-floor hall bath. The second-floor hall bathroom features a mosaic tile accent, subway tile used for the entire shower, brushed nickel finishes, and a beautiful dark grey stained vanity with a quartz countertop. Once the powder bath and hall bathroom was complete, the homeowner decided to immediately pursue the master bathroom, creating a stunning, relaxing space. The master bathroom received the same styled wainscotting as the powder bath, as well as a free-standing tub, oil-rubbed bronze finishes, and porcelain tile flooring.

This Tapia Construction & Restoration Project presents all the hallmarks of an estate with its grand main home, guest house, pool, and formal grounds of over one acre. Just completed by Tapia Construction, the home is reminiscent of a sophisticated East Coast manor with its cedar shingled exterior and ebony shutters. Inside, a classic neutral color palette and traditional design elements are replicated in every room -- beautifully detailed ceilings, crisp white custom millwork, and lavish use of honed Calacatta Oro marble. The three-level main residence is magnificently appointed with everything needed for luxurious comfortable living, including a theatre, fitness center, steam shower, and wine cellar. There are 5 spacious bedrooms, each with en-suite bath, plus a wonderful 1-bedroom guest house also perfect for extended family, an au pair, or entertaining. A pool, fire pit, and vast terrace highlight the rear grounds for outdoor enjoyment, all surrounded by beautifully manicured lawn, a parterre rose garden, and the privacy afforded by a gated entrance. Topping it all off is the home's close proximity to fine dining and shopping, Stanford University, and all of Silicon Valley. Located in the heart of the Peninsula, Tapia Construction and Restoration provide all aspects of construction services throughout the Bay Area. TCR was founded in December 2008 with the intent to start a privately owned company, without the corporate agenda, that provide its customers the highest level of service and product with the personal touch of a family based business. Owner David Tapia began his career in the mid 1970's under the guidance of some of San Francisco's leading construction industry professionals. It was their passion, guidance, and instruction that helped David identify his calling. In the 80's David spent the majority of his time with Lombardi Construction where he developed relationships with clients, subcontractors, and vendors, as well as providing him with the knowledge proven valuable over the course of his career. David has pursued certifications in plumbing, electrical, structural, carpentry/frame/fit/finish programs and is a certified safety professional. Confidence in this extensive experience and expertise coupled with his growing family, made the move to independent contractor a natural one. With years of experience and impeccable attention to detail TCR provides clients with an investment to projects and exceptional customer service. We would like to welcome you to the TCR family and invite you to share our vision of "Building the future- Restoring the past."

Keyes Road is a two-storey, semi-detached red brick house dating to around 1890-1910. The focus of our work was on the ground floor where we were asked to improve the layout and use of the main living areas of the house, for an active family of four. Important to the design was to maximise the quality and amount of light as well as connection to the garden and flow to the rest of the house. Our proposal introduces three single storey extensions, comprising a central, large space that extends the main outrigger of the house. To each side are smaller volumes, affording a full width kitchen. While defining a series of discrete volumes, it was important for us to ensure that the kitchen, living, family and dining rooms that are interconnecting and continuous. The result is a big space punctuated by a series of differently sized arches, defining spaces to ensure their intimacy. It was important for our client to have a sense of warmth and comfort - perhaps not dissimilar to the qualities of a hotel lobby. The colour scheme of the rooms are warm white painted plaster, natural wood flooring with black, bronze and brass accents. Indirect and carefully placed light fittings pulls together the atmosphere of the rooms - particularly in the evenings. Externally, we felt it important to differentiate the extensions from the main house by using a dark, charcoal grey brick. This sets up a contrasting yet complimentary relationship to the rich red coloured brick house. The facets of the brick play with light and depth as do the graduated brick arches. During the design process, we grappled with floor levels, the direction of sunlight, and care to not encroach on the neighbouring properties. As the house is in a conservation area, we worked closely with our trusted planning advisor. Throughout, we pursued a sensitive design strategy, using pitched roofs, matching materials and careful detailing. Internally, many of the original details are intact. This has enabled us to create an eclectic ensemble of elements, colours and materials varying in age and period.

Nestled on the shore of New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee, is a family’s winter ski retreat. Contrary to the norm, this vacation home sees more use in the winter months than in the summer season. Breathtaking views of Mount Washington against a backdrop of shoreline dominate the scene; this vista was a driving force in the decision-making process. Doors and windows on the lakeside of the house were enlarged and expanded on to enhance the owners’ appreciation of their vantage point. The homeowners embraced, with a bit of convincing, a dark blue trim color for the exterior rather than the ubiquitous forest green common in the White Mountains. What began as a small renovation project morphed into a full renovation; the location warranted the upgrade. The client’s trust in the design team resulted in a home that is unique: contemporary while still offering the warmth and coziness of a winter retreat. The introduction of soft wood tones, a custom copper kitchen hood, and a warm muted color palate for interior trim and doors brings a coziness to the space without evoking a mountain ski lodge. The materials chosen further enhanced the natural elements of the site location: organic features include an antler chandelier, salvaged wood throughout for the mantel, ceilings, stair newels, and interior barn doors, and a live edge built-in bench in the mudroom. Spaces were designed to encourage family interaction and togetherness. The importance of solitude was thoughtfully crafted into the architecture and interiors of the family’s vacation home. SV Design made sure there were spaces where individual family members can pursue their own interests: a dedicated craft space, a family office, and a kids’ loft area. The redesign was forward thinking, to take the family into future phases in life, from the current teenage years through college years, and into the beyond of expanded family possibilities.